Engine Room Artificer (Maintenance Engineer)

Direct Entry – Engine Room Artificer (Maintenance Engineer / Technician): 

The Naval Service offers a number of direct entry pathways. A direct entrant is one who goes directly into a rank in the Naval Service, without going through the recruit training programme.  

About the Naval Service: 

The Naval Service is based in Haulbowline, Cobh, Co. Cork and is the State's principal seagoing agency with a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. It is a multi-tasked organisation operating a fleet of ships which are at the leading edge of marine technology with state-of-the-art machinery, weapons, communications, and navigation systems. 

The Defence Forces presents endless opportunities for you to develop, as a person and as a leader. Learn how to be part of a team, how to be a leader, and how to manage people. Work and experience life in a unique environment with the strength of a diverse team around you. 

We are now accepting applications for positions as direct entry Engine Room Artificers. The Naval Service is looking to recruit suitably qualified people to be part of our team that patrols and protects our territorial waters. If you enjoy being part of a team and want a career with a difference apply now. 

About the role of Engine Room Artificer: 

• The Naval Engine Room Artificer (ERA) is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and ensuring the efficient operation of ship propulsion systems, power generation, and auxiliary machinery 

• This role requires technical expertise in mechanical and electrical systems, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure in a maritime environment.  

• ERAs play a vital role in ensuring operational readiness and safety at sea, contributing to the Irish Naval Service’s mission of maritime security and defence. 

• You will be responsible for conducting planned maintenance and defect rectification on propulsion, electrical, and fluid systems. 

• You will diagnose faults and carry out troubleshooting procedures to ensure continuous operation. 

• You will assist in emergency response situations, including fire-fighting and damage control duties. 

• The role of the ERA works closely with engineering teams to ensure operational efficiency and safety compliance while maintaining accurate records of maintenance, repairs, and part replacements. 

Essential Requirements: 

At the time of application, all applicants for appointment as Engine Room Artificer in the Naval Service must meet the following:  

1. General Requirements: 
2. be a citizen of the Irish State 

OR 

1. have a legal entitlement to reside and work in the State for the period of any such appointment. 

AND 

1. be of good character and satisfy any security clearance required during the recruitment process. 

AND 

1. meet the required minimum standards of medical and physical fitness as assessed during the recruitment process.  

1. Age Requirements: 

Applicants must be 18 Years of age and under 39 years of age on date of application. 

1. Professional Qualifications: 

A candidate for enlistment as an Electrical Artificer (EA) must have completed one of the following: 

1. HETAC Level 7 Degree in Marine Engineering 
2. 0HETAC Level 7 Degree in Mechanical Engineering 
3. FAS/Solas Standard Based Craft of Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting 
4. FAS/Solas Standard Based Craft of Diesel Fitter 
5. FAS/Solas Standard Based Crafts of Motor Mechanic 
6. Department of Marine & Natural Resources Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) Certificate of Competency 
7. National equivalent of any of the above. 

Recruitment Process: 

Please note, candidates will be invited to complete a fitness test and attend a competency-based interview where they will be required to draw from their relevant experience. Candidates who successfully pass the fitness test and competency-based interview will be required to complete a medical assessment and go through a Garda Vetting process. 

Pay and Allowances: 

A competitive basic salary of €49,543 with yearly increments. Naval Service personnel receive an additional approx. €20,570 per annum. Additional allowances for overseas service are not included. This allowance starts at €15,000 per annum in addition to your salary and is tax free. 

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